Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Danish parliament passes new succession law

The Danish parliament today passed a proposal to change the succession in Denmark. The proposal, which must also be passed in a referendum, will allow for Denmark's constitution in order to allow succession of the first-born child, regardless of sex. The referendum will be held on June 7, which is same day as the European parliament elections. In order to become law, the referendum must be voted on by the majority of voters, and at least 40 percent of eligible voters, according to an article in the Danish newspaper, Politken.
The new law -- if passed -- will have no effect on the current line of succession as Crown Prince Frederik's first child is a son. Denmark will also become the fifth monarchy to move toward succession of the first born. The other four countries are Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium. The Spanish prime minister has stated his support for equal rights succession for the Spanish throne, but no legislation has been passed by the Cortes. Although the British press reports that members of parliament have discussed changing the succession, no bills have been presented in the Commons.
The succession laws for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Principality of Liechtenstein are semi-salic, which means all the eligible men are ahead of all the eligible women. Monaco's succession law is based on male primogeniture.

4 comments:

Göran Koch-Swahne said...

No, Monaco changed back to Heirs General in the 1950ies.

Marlene Eilers Koenig said...

This is incorrect. Until 2002, the succession was limited to the children of reigning prince. However, the heir could adopt (after the age of 50) an heir. If the law had not changed in 2002, Caroline and Stephanie and their legitimate children would have ceased to be dynasts. Albert, when he reached the age of 50, would have been able to adopt an heir (perhaps his nephew.)
The new law eliminates all this, and establishes the line of succession to male primogeniture. Caroline and Stephanie and their legitimate or legitimated children remain in the line of succession.

Anonymous said...

The succession laws of Liechtenstein are salic / agnatic, not semi-salic. That means, there are no women in the line of succession whatsoever. Previous information in wikipedia, for example, stating the opposite (=semi-salic) are incorrect, as far as I know.

Marlene Eilers Koenig said...

Can I have a good source for your statement regarding the succession in Liechtenstein. I don't use Wikipedia ... don't recommend it at all. My source is the Prince's office.